How did Nathaniel P. Banks get his nickname Bobbin Boy Banks?

Banks earned the nickname Bobbin Boy Banks when he worked as a bobbin boy replacing bobbins full of thread with empty ones in a textile mill at age fourteen.

On what date was Nathaniel P. Banks elected Speaker of the House?

The speakership contest for Nathaniel P. Banks lasted from the 3rd of December 1855 to the 2nd of February 1856, and he was chosen on the 133rd ballot on the 133rd day of that period.

What military campaign caused Nathaniel P. Banks to be relieved of command in September 1862?

Nathaniel P. Banks was abruptly relieved of command after the Second Battle of Bull Run on the 12th of September 1862 following criticism of his performance during the campaign against Stonewall Jackson.

When did the Confederate garrison under General Franklin Gardner surrender Port Hudson to Nathaniel P. Banks?

The Confederate garrison under General Franklin Gardner surrendered Port Hudson on the 9th of July 1863 after Union forces had laid siege to the stronghold since May 1863.

When and where did Nathaniel P. Banks die?

Nathaniel Prentice Banks died at Waltham on the 1st of September 1894 and is buried at Grove Hill Cemetery in Waltham.

Nathaniel P. Banks: the story on HearLore

Nathaniel Prentice Banks was born at Waltham, Massachusetts, on the 30th of January 1816. His father worked in the textile mill of the Boston Manufacturing Company as a foreman. The family's financial demands compelled young Nathaniel to take a mill job at age fourteen. He started as a bobbin boy, responsible for replacing bobbins full of thread with empty ones. This role earned him the nickname Bobbin Boy Banks, which he carried throughout his life. He walked to Boston on days off to visit the Atheneum Library and attended company-sponsored lectures by luminaries like Daniel Webster. Banks formed a debate club with other mill workers to improve their oratorical skills. He took up acting and became involved in the local temperance movement. Speaking at its events brought him to the attention of Democratic Party leaders during the 1840 elections. He honed his political skills by emulating Robert Rantoul Jr., a Democratic Congressman who also had humble beginnings. His personal good looks, voice, and flair for presentation were assets that he used to gain advantage in the political sphere. He deliberately sought to present himself with a more aristocratic bearing than suggested by his humble beginnings. His success as a speaker convinced him to quit the mill. He first worked as an editor for two short-lived political newspapers before running for state legislature in 1844. He lost that race but later won a seat in 1848. In 1852, he ran for Congress and won with Free Soil support after Democrats withdrew their nomination due to his abolitionist views. By December 1855, representatives from several parties opposed to slavery's spread united behind him. The speakership contest lasted from the 3rd of December 1855, to the 2nd of February 1856. Banks was chosen on the 133rd ballot, receiving 103 votes out of 214 cast. This victory marked the first form of coalition in congressional history.

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Banks initially sat on the Committee of Military Affairs while serving in Congress. He bucked the Democratic party line by voting against the Kansas, Nebraska Act in 1854. This bill overturned the 1820 Missouri Compromise. He used his parliamentary skills to keep the bill from coming to a vote despite long stated support for Manifest Destiny. In 1854, he formally joined the so-called Know Nothing cause, officially named American Party since 1855. He was considered one of the political leaders of the movement alongside Henry Wilson and Governor Henry J. Gardner. None of the three supported its extreme anti-immigrant positions. In 1855, Banks agreed to chair the convention of a new Republican Party. His platform intended to bring together antislavery interests from Democrats, Whigs, Free Soilers, and Know Nothings. During summer 1855, Banks spoke at an antislavery rally in Portland, Maine. He expressed that the Union did not necessarily need to be preserved under certain conditions. Future opponents would repeatedly use these words against him, accusing him of disunionism. At the opening of the 34th U.S. Congress in December 1855, only 35% of the House were Democrats. Representatives from several parties opposed to slavery's spread gradually united behind Banks. The coalition supporting him formed by his American Party and the Opposition Party marked the first form of coalition in congressional history. This victory raised Banks's national profile significantly. He gave antislavery men important posts in Congress for the first time. He cooperated with investigations of both the Kansas conflict and the caning of Charles Sumner on the floor of the Senate. Former Speaker Howell Cobb called him in all respects the best presiding officer he had ever seen. Banks played a key role in bringing forward John C. Frémont as a moderate Republican presidential nominee in 1856. He refused the Know Nothing nomination which went instead to former President Millard Fillmore.

President Abraham Lincoln appointed Banks as one of the first major generals of volunteers on the 16th of May 1861. Many professional soldiers in the regular army were unhappy with this appointment. They resented his lack of field experience but acknowledged his influence on administration of the war. Banks first commanded a military district in eastern Maryland including Baltimore. He arrested the police chief and commissioners of the city replacing them with pro-Union sympathies. His actions had a chilling effect on Confederate sentiment in Maryland though it remained loyal through the war. On the 14th of March 1862, President Lincoln issued an executive order forming all troops into corps. Banks became a corps commander in charge of his own division now commanded by Brigadier General Alpheus Williams. When Stonewall Jackson was turned back at First Battle of Kernstown on March 23, Banks pursued him up the valley. Jackson marched rapidly down Luray Valley and encountered some of Banks' forces at Front Royal on May 23. This prompted Banks to withdraw to Winchester where Jackson attacked again on May 25. Union forces retreated in disorder across Potomac River back into Maryland. An attempt to capture Jackson's forces failed allowing him to reinforce Richmond. Banks was criticized for mishandling his troops and performing inadequate reconnaissance during campaign. In July Maj. Gen John Pope placed Banks under command of newly formed Army of Virginia. By early August force was in Culpeper County. Banks moved to meet larger force without caution he displayed against Jackson earlier. Confederates held high ground around Cedar Mountain. After artillery duel began August 9 Battle of Cedar Mountain, he ordered flanking maneuver on Confederate right. Only excellent commanding by Confederates allowed their numerical superiority to tell. Banks thought battle one of best fought though one officer called it act of folly by incompetent general. On September 12, Banks was abruptly relieved of command after Second Battle of Bull Run.

In November 1862 President Lincoln gave Banks command of Army of Gulf asking him to organize force of 30,000 new recruits from New York and New England. Recruitment effort proved successful due to political connections with governors of those states. In December he sailed from New York replacing Major General Benjamin Butler at New Orleans as commander of Department of Gulf. Gideon Welles Secretary of Navy doubted wisdom of replacing Butler with Banks who he thought less able leader. Banks had to contend not just with Southern opposition but also politically hostile Radical Republicans both in city and Washington. They criticized his moderate approach to administration. Part of Banks's orders included instructions to advance up Mississippi River joining forces with Ulysses S Grant. He did not move immediately because garrison at Port Hudson reported large and new recruits ill-equipped insufficiently trained for action. He overwhelmed by bureaucratic demands administering occupied portions of Louisiana. In March 1863 naval commander David Farragut sought run river past Port Hudson convincing Banks make diversionary land attack on Confederate stronghold. Banks marched with 12,000 men from Baton Rouge on March 13 unable reach enemy position due inaccurate maps. He compounded failure engaging enemy with miscommunications with Farragut. Naval commander successfully navigated two gunboats past Port Hudson taking fire en route without support. Banks ended retreating back to Baton Rouge troops plundering all along way. Under pressure show progress Banks embarked operations secure route bypassing Port Hudson via Red River late March. He eventually reached Alexandria Louisiana though stiff resistance from smaller forces Confederate General Richard Taylor meant arrival early May. His army seized thousands bales cotton claiming interrupted supplies to Confederate forces further east. Following request Grant assistance against Vicksburg Banks finally laid siege Port Hudson May 1863. Two attempts storm works were dismal failures first made against entrenched enemy May 27 failed inadequate reconnaissance Banks failed ensure attacks line coordinated. After bloody repulse continued siege launching second assault June 14 equally badly coordinated resulting more than 1,800 Union casualties each attack. Confederate garrison under General Franklin Gardner surrendered the 9th of July 1863 receiving word Vicksburg fallen bringing entire Mississippi River under Union control.

During postbellum period in Congress Banks one of strongest advocates Manifest destiny. He introduced Annexation Bill 1866 promoting offers annex all British North America effectively today's Canada appeal heavily Irish-American constituency tap anger American public felt towards Britain unofficial support Confederacy blockade runners supplying weapons lengthened war two years killed 400,000 additional Americans. This proposal died Senate Foreign Relations Committee chaired Charles Sumner. Banks also played significant role securing passage Alaska Purchase funding bill enacted 1868. His financial records strongly suggest received large gratuity Russian minister after legislation passed though House investigation matter whitewashed affair. Biographer Fred Harrington believes Banks would have supported legislation regardless payment alleged received. Banks also supported unsuccessful efforts acquire Caribbean islands including Danish West Indies Dominican Republic speaking out support Cuban independence. In 1872 Banks joined Liberal-Republican revolt supporting Horace Greeley. He had to some degree opposed party trend away labor reform subject close many working-class constituents not wealthy businessmen coming dominate Republican Party. While campaigning across North for Greeley Radical Daniel W. Gooch successfully gathered enough support defeat him reelection first defeat Massachusetts voters. After loss Banks invested unsuccessful start-up Kentucky railroad headed John Frémont hoping income substitute political loss. Seeking revival political fortunes 1873 Banks ran successfully Massachusetts Senate supported coalition Liberal Republicans Democrats Labor Reform groups. Latter groups he wooed adopting support shorter workdays term helped draft secure passage bill restricting hours women children ten hours per day. In 1874 Banks elected Congress again supported similar coalition defeating Gooch served two terms 1875, 1879 losing 1878 nominating process formally rejoining Republican fold accused changing positions too often considered reliable.

After his defeat 1878 President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Banks United States marshal Massachusetts patronage reward service held post 1879 until 1888 exercised poor oversight subordinates consequently embroiled legal action recovery unpaid fees. In 1888 Banks once again won seat Congress did not much influence mental health failing. After one term renominated retired Waltham. Health continued deteriorate briefly sent McLean Hospital shortly before death Waltham the 1st of September 1894. Death made nationwide headlines buried Grove Hill Cemetery Waltham. His legacy includes Fort Banks Winthrop Massachusetts built late 1890s named him statue Central Square Waltham Court Chicago Gold Coast neighborhood named after him incorporated village Banks Michigan named 1871 Gale-Banks House home Waltham 1855 death listed National Register Historic Places. He was elected Veteran First Class Companion Massachusetts Commandery Military Order Loyal Legion United States military society officers served Union during Civil War 1892. Election Ancient Honorable Artillery Company Massachusetts commander 1867 and 1875 recognized service war. During Reconstruction efforts Louisiana Banks undertook steps facilitate plans President Lincoln. When arrived New Orleans atmosphere somewhat hostile Union owing Butler actions moderated some policies freeing civilians detained reopening churches ministers refused support Union recruited large numbers African Americans military instituted formal work education programs organize many slaves left plantations believing freed. Because believed plantation owners need play role Reconstruction work program particularly friendly African Americans requiring sign year-long work contracts subjecting vagrants involuntary public work. Education program effectively shut down Southerners regained control city 1865. August 1863 President Lincoln ordered Banks oversee creation new state constitution December granted wide-ranging authority create new civilian government. Voter enrollment low canceled planned Congressional elections worked civilian authorities increase enrollment rates. February 1864 election organized Banks Unionist government elected optimistically reported Lincoln Louisiana become two years under wise strong government one most loyal prosperous States world ever seen.

Nathaniel P. Banks.

The Political Maelstrom Of The 1850s

The Political Maelstrom Of The 1850s

Military Ineptitude And Strategic Failures

Reconstruction Experiments In Louisiana

Manifest Destiny And Foreign Policy

Labor Reform And Late Career Struggles

Military Ineptitude And Strategic Failures

Reconstruction Experiments In Louisiana

Manifest Destiny And Foreign Policy

Labor Reform And Late Career Struggles

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Common questions

Nathaniel P. Banks.

1. The Political Maelstrom Of The 1850s

1. The Political Maelstrom Of The 1850s

2. Military Ineptitude And Strategic Failures

3. Reconstruction Experiments In Louisiana

4. Manifest Destiny And Foreign Policy

5. Labor Reform And Late Career Struggles

2. Military Ineptitude And Strategic Failures

3. Reconstruction Experiments In Louisiana

4. Manifest Destiny And Foreign Policy

5. Labor Reform And Late Career Struggles

Up Next

Continue Browsing

Common questions

The Political Maelstrom Of The 1850s

The Political Maelstrom Of The 1850s

Military Ineptitude And Strategic Failures

Reconstruction Experiments In Louisiana

Manifest Destiny And Foreign Policy

Labor Reform And Late Career Struggles

Military Ineptitude And Strategic Failures

Reconstruction Experiments In Louisiana

Manifest Destiny And Foreign Policy

Labor Reform And Late Career Struggles